Best Ever Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf is a tried and true favorite, and you’ll love having this easy recipe on hand. The sauce is made with ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for sweet and savory flavors that are totally irresistible!

The Best Homemade Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a classic dinner, and this Easy Meatloaf Recipe is one of my all-time favorites!

Now that the holidays are over, we can all take a big breath. But unfortunately, if you have a family — or don’t want takeout every night — you still have to cook dinner.

Introducing my Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe, made with simple components and a 3-ingredient sauce that’s totally delicious!

Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf

This version is made with ground chuck, oatmeal, ketchup, whole milk, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.

Yep, oatmeal keeps it moist and helps it all stick together! And using oatmeal also means that this recipe is gluten-free unlike classically prepared meatloaves made with breadcrumbs.

The meatloaf is then covered in a 3-ingredient homemade sauce that’s made with ketchup, light brown sugar, and yellow mustard. The base of the sauce one of the best pairs around: ketchup and mustard. With the addition of brown sugar, it’s a delicious combination of both savory and sweet.

Basically, it’s like an elevated hamburger. It has all those scrumptious flavors… and then some!

Super simple and easy to make but very good. I was afraid it would be too salty but it was perfect. This is my new go-to meatloaf recipe. I made it with 7% fat ground beef and it didn’t even need to be drained.

– Susan H.

How To Make Meatloaf

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, ketchup, milk, onion, and egg and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes for the oats to soften slightly.
3. Add in the lean ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix with hands until well combined.
4. Shape into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes. You can also bake it in a loaf pan.
5. While the meatloaf cooks, prepare the sauce by whisking together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the sauce over it, place back in the oven and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

How To Serve Homemade Meatloaf

Serve this recipe up with steamed veggies, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, and a Yeast Roll for a delicious dinner the whole family will beg you to make again and again!

Needless to say, this Easy Meatloaf Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Or really, any night when you don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen.

Plus, this homemade recipe for meatloaf is definitely a family favorite in the making. Pair it with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Corn Mac and Cheese and you’ll have some pretty satisfying comfort food.

Keep this tried-and-true meal on rotation all winter long. Another thing worth noting is that this recipe is super tasty leftover, too.

You can zap meat loaf in the microwave for lunch or dinner the next day. Or, make an extra “loaf” and pop it in the freezer to reheat in a pinch.

How To Freeze Meatloaf

Cooked: One way is to freeze a fully cooked meat loaf without the sauce and warm it up and add the sauce when you need it.

Uncooked: Another way is to freeze the raw meat mixture, then simply thaw and bake when you’re ready as indicated.

More Beef Dinner Recipes

• Beef Stroganoff – Made with tender ribeye steak!
• Bolognese Sauce – Loaded with ground beef and spice!
• Slow Cooker Italian Beef – Meat that will melt in your mouth!
• American Chop Suey – Comfort food the whole family loves!
• Crockpot Beef Stew – Wholesome food to enjoy as the weather cools down!